Theatre is the most popular art form for many Georgians. Georgian theatre stems from a rich historical, turbulent and vibrant contemporary culture. How did it reinvent itself over the last 20 years after the independence of the Soviet Union to become an important player at the international theatre scene? And what are current aesthetics and other latest technology driven theatre practices that we not only come to discover but share across Europe?

The conference aims at glancing at the future of theatre, while spanning its history from its archaic mythological  roots to the digital age. As a place for critical thinking, resistance, social experience and even cathartic healing, since its beginnings in ancient Greece theatre has been exclusively based on human interaction. Given this background, the social and digital media boom often prompts daunting and threatening questions, the kind that seem to shake the essence of this particular art form. Yet theatre, just like all other art forms, has to align itself to the practices of today’s digital world without losing its very core. Organised within the frame of the Creative Europe funded 2 year project European Theatre Lab: Drama goes digital, the ETC conference explores many relevant matters related to technological enhancements, especially the artistic engagement of the online by live streaming. Panel talks, key-note speeches, workshops and a space for networking with peers and colleagues from Georgia and all over Europe, distinguished guests discussing creative possibilities and sharing their expertise with theatre makers, and latest performances of Georgian theatre – all this will take place during the next ETC international theatre conference in Tbilisi. Please check the ETC website for further information.